Cozy Up with This Cowboy Burger Recipe with Grilled Pickles and Crispy Onion Straws
There’s something undeniably warm and nostalgic about a backyard barbecue, isn’t there? Long summer evenings spent with family, laughter floating through the air, and the aroma of juicy burgers sizzling on the grill. That comforting feeling is precisely what this Cowboy Burger Recipe with Grilled Pickles and Crispy Onion Straws brings to the table. It’s a delightful twist on a classic that will instantly make you feel at home, whether you’re cooking for loved ones or simply enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner by yourself. Grab a plate, and let’s embark on this delicious journey that will surely become a favorite!
This recipe is your ticket to a backyard feast, with layers of tender beef, creamy BBQ mayo, and those irresistible crispy onion straws. Plus, the grilled pickles add a touch of tangy goodness that takes this burger to the next level. Trust me, you’ll want to save this one for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Flavorful: Experience the rich, smoky flavors that meld perfectly in every bite of these burgers.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is perfect for everyone, from kids to adults. It’s a meal that brings smiles across the table.
- Quick and Easy: Whether it’s your weekend BBQ or an easy weeknight dinner, these burgers can be whipped up in no time.
- Satisfying and Hearty: Each bite is layered with savory beef, melty cheese, and crispy toppings, making it utterly fulfilling.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Cook extra patties or onion straws to keep on hand for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cowboy Burger Recipe with Grilled Pickles and Crispy Onion Straws
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Stubbs Original Bar-B-Q Sauce
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon McCormick Ground Black Pepper
- 1 medium onion, very thinly sliced and separated into rings
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 teaspoons McCormick Grill Mates Smoky Montreal Steak Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon McCormick Chili Powder
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 1 1/4 pounds ground beef
- 4 slices mild Cheddar cheese
- 1 dill pickle, sliced lengthwise 1/4-inch thick
- 4 Kaiser rolls
- 4 lettuce leaves
Let’s Make It Together
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and BBQ sauce until well blended. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
- In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper. Add the onion rings and toss to coat well.
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer, large heavy skillet, or saucepan, filling it no more than 1/3 full. Heat the oil on medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the onion rings to the hot oil and fry for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning once until they turn golden brown. Drain them on paper towels and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the Smoky Montreal Steak Seasoning, chili powder, and brown sugar.
- Shape the ground beef into four equal patties. Coat the surface of each patty evenly with the spice mixture.
- Grill the patties over medium heat for 4 to 6 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through (an internal temperature of 160°F).
- Place a slice of cheese on each burger patty one minute before removing them from the grill.
- While the burgers are finishing, grill the pickle slices for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until lovely grill marks appear.
- Optional: Toast the Kaiser rolls on the grill, open-side down, for about 30 seconds.
- Serve the burgers on rolls topped with grilled pickles, crispy onion straws, and fresh lettuce. Drizzle with your BBQ mayonnaise.
Fun Ways to Customize It
- Spicy Twist: Add jalapeños or spicy BBQ sauce for a zesty kick that will tantalize your taste buds!
- Veggie Delight: Swap out the beef for grilled portobello mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option that’s just as satisfying.
- Cheesy Supreme: Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or blue cheese for a rich, indulgent flavor.
- Burgers Gone Wild: Layer on extra toppings like crispy bacon, avocado, or even a fried egg for an energizing breakfast burger.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the BBQ mayonnaise and onion straws in advance. Store onion straws in an airtight container for up to two days.
- Alternative Cooking Method: If you prefer a stovetop method, cook the burgers in a skillet with a splash of oil for perfectly seared goodness.
- Storing Leftovers: Keep any leftover patties in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just reheat them in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
- Perfect Slicing: For onion rings, the thinner you slice, the crispier they’ll be! Aim for 1/8 inch for the perfect crunch.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 burger with toppings
- Calories: 650
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 34g
- Protein: 33g
- Sodium: 980mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, feel free to prepare the BBQ mayo and onion straws in advance!
Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! You can customize the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences, like trying turkey meat or a vegan substitute.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover patties and toppings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
How long does it last?
This delightful meal is best enjoyed fresh but can be kept in the fridge for a few days if you want to savor it longer.
A Cozy Closing Note
At the end of the day, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of a homemade burger filled with love and creativity. This Cowboy Burger Recipe with Grilled Pickles and Crispy Onion Straws is the kind of dish that invites stories around the dinner table, evoking memories of summer nights and cherished gatherings. Save this Cowboy Burger Recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking, friends!

Cowboy Burger with Grilled Pickles and Crispy Onion Straws
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Meat
Description
A delightful twist on a classic burger, featuring layers of tender beef, creamy BBQ mayo, grilled pickles, and crispy onion straws.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Stubbs Original Bar-B-Q Sauce
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon McCormick Ground Black Pepper
- 1 medium onion, very thinly sliced and separated into rings
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 teaspoons McCormick Grill Mates Smoky Montreal Steak Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon McCormick Chili Powder
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 1 1/4 pounds ground beef
- 4 slices mild Cheddar cheese
- 1 dill pickle, sliced lengthwise 1/4-inch thick
- 4 Kaiser rolls
- 4 lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Mix the mayonnaise and BBQ sauce until well blended. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
- Combine flour, salt, and black pepper in a large resealable plastic bag. Add onion rings and toss to coat well.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or skillet on medium-high heat.
- Carefully add onion rings to hot oil and fry for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- Mix together Smoky Montreal Steak Seasoning, chili powder, and brown sugar in a small bowl.
- Shape ground beef into four equal patties. Coat each with the spice mixture.
- Grill patties over medium heat for 4 to 6 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F).
- Place a slice of cheese on each patty one minute before removing from the grill.
- Grill pickle slices for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until grill marks appear.
- Optional: Toast Kaiser rolls on the grill, open-side down, for about 30 seconds.
- Serve burgers on rolls topped with grilled pickles, crispy onion straws, and lettuce. Drizzle with BBQ mayonnaise.
Notes
Make ahead BBQ mayo and onion straws for easy prep. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger with toppings
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 90mg






